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Monday

Dec 26, 2005 at 12:01 AM

Edna Z. Prentis Welcome

Editor: I can't believe it - the things you read about these days. One article was about our commissioners voting for retirement benefits. Their job is part-time but they do get a salary. I always thought the people who chose to go into public work did so to help better conditions for society.

That isn't an easy job. I have done volunteer work for many years and many problems can occur and the hours can be long, but the joy of helping others outweighs the hardship.

Along with other volunteers, I have worked for the Seniors Country Store at Welcome. It was started an 1976 as a service project for the economy of the senior citizens in the county. From 1979 until two years ago we had opposition from the Department of Senior Services and in later years from the commissioners who tried to close it down. They did not support it except for a manager's salary and utilities.

The furniture, refrigerator, air conditioners, quilt racks and other shelving, cleaning tools, signs and many other things were bought and paid for by the volunteers. Four fund-raisers were held each year to help with expenses. We appreciate greatly the gifts from many businesses for our door prizes.

Finally we had had enough problems, so we went out on our own and we have done well. We still need a manager. It is hard because our volunteers are mostly senior citizens and it is tiring for some. The store has been a blessing to many. There are seniors who had to quit work due to health problems or some infirmity that prevented them from working a regular job.

There are widows without skills for the workforce but who are good crafters and make beautiful quilts, baby clothes, embroidery, etc. Many men have made very nice furniture items in their home workshops. We have some citizens who can fix those wonderful things you like to eat - stuffed peppers, relishes, jams and jellies, etc.

The store pleases two ways. The seller gets a check and the buyer gets an item that is beautiful and unique and sometimes unobtainable elsewhere. Creativity promotes good mental health; making something gives a person a sense of pride. Being able to pay their bills for fuel, medicine and food and take care of their pets gives tranquility to their lives.

I hope the commissioners will give up their retirement benefits. With the number of people without jobs, it just doesn't seem right. Working for the public should not be a financial goal.